Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Liam Lawson will start sixth at Formula One’s Austrian Grand Prix, and is the highest-placed of the four Red Bull-backed cars ahead of both teammate Isack Hadjar and world champion Max Verstappen. For the first time since Saudi Arabia earlier this year, Lawson will start ahead of his Racing Bulls teammate – who was eliminated in the second qualifying session (Q2). Hadjar will start 13th. NZ Herald sportswriter Alex Powell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed martial artist Kai Kara-France wants to use his flyweight title fight this afternoon as a platform for Māori culture. The Kiwi will face Brazilian champion Alexandre "The Cannibal" Pantoja at UFC 317 in Nevada - his second title attempt. Sky Sport UFC analyst Ravinder Hunia joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bevon Jacobs is hoping that sharing a changing room with Indian cricket superstars such as Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will serve him well for his country. The Auckland batter's the only uncapped player in the 15-man squad for next month's T20 tri-series against South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe. Jacobs was part of the Mumbai squad in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League - in an unusual case of cracking an IPL contract before playing internationally. He joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has revealed why they opted to bring Dalton Papali'i into camp again following the injury to Wallace Sititi. Sititi is out for the series against France with a high ankle injury, with Blues flanker Papali'i whistled in as injury cover after missing the initial squad and Christian Lio-Willie moved into the squad proper. Robertson says Ethan Blackadder - who also missed out - was unavailable to come in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps and White Ferns are staring down the barrel of a packed summer schedule, according to a new release from NZ Cricket. New Zealand have released their schedule for the upcoming home summer, with a combined 59 international fixtures for both the men's and women's sides.  BYC podcast co-founder Paul Ford joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand punters will no longer be able to bet with overseas bookmaker under new laws that will come into effect next week.  TAB NZ will become the sole legal provider of online sports and racing betting, with a number of politicians saying it could provide a major boost to the nation’s betting industry.  The law change has made it illegal for offshore operators to accept bets, and have introduced stronger powers to prevent gambling harm.  TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts joined Piney to discuss the changes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 28th June 2025, we talk referee abuse, starting with Mike Hester, NZR’s Participation Development Manager, and grassroots ref Rob Harman.  We also talk the new betting laws with TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts and football with All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and Auckland City CEO Gordon Watson following their historic 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors.   Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and New Zealand are set to clash again later this year, this time on the football pitch.  The All Whites will be playing the Socceroos in a two-match series for the Soccer Ashes trophy in September.  Coach Darren Bazeley joined Piney to discuss the upcoming battle, as well as look ahead to next year's World Cup – an event the All Whites have qualified for.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SailGP will be making waves in Auckland again in 2026.   After being omitted from the first announcement of venues for next season, the league has confirmed it will return to the City of Sails on the weekend of February 14-15 next year.   The event will be the second of 12 on the calendar and is the last on the global foiling league’s initial four-year agreement with New Zealand Major Events to host regattas in New Zealand.   The league is now expected to go through a process to explore what is possible in terms of a long-term arrangement in Auckland.   Alexandra Corry, SailGP Head of Event for New Zealand, joined Piney for a chat about the announcement.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call for New Zealand Rugby to protect referees more.  The Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union has postponed fixtures this weekend after a referee was so seriously abused he had to be escorted to his car over safety fears.  Last month, the union said in response to escalating abuse towards match officials – highlighted by a person threatening to stab a referee – that they would cancel all senior club games if behaviour didn’t improve.  Mike Hester, Participation Development Manager at NZ Rugby Union, joined Jason Pine to unpack the situation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 22 June. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap the Super Rugby final, the action from the State of Origin - and offered speculation about possible All Blacks squad picks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction of Christchurch’s long-awaited stadium is entering its final stretch, with the venue on track for a 2026 opening. The stadium is set to have capacity for a crowd of 30,000 for sports matches and room for over 37,000 for concerts. Te Kaha project manager Kent Summerfield joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most anticipated trans-Tasman boxing event of the year is set to take place in the coming weeks. Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams are set to meet in the headline bout of the Mānuka Phuel SBW v Gallen card, looking to put their long feud to rest over the course of eight two-minute rounds. Paul Gallen joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sailing expert Mark Orams believes three-time America's Cup winner Peter Burling will be a huge asset for Luna Rossa, despite being unable to race on the water. Burling has joined the Italian syndicate ahead of the 38th America's Cup, but will be restricted to a shoreline role. Orams joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You forget how much Crusaders fans love the Crusaders until you watch them play live in Christchurch. That place was absolutely jumping last night Crusaders fans may not turn up every week - but my goodness, when they do - they enhance the home advantage significantly. I said yesterday the man in the no. 10 jersey could be the most influential player on the par. I was right about the jersey, I just had the wrong team. Rivez Reihana was superb for the Crusaders last night. On the biggest night of his life, he played the best game of his life, and outshone his opposite to be named man of the match. The media were granted access to the Crusaders' changing sheds after the game and as you can imagine, it was pretty raucous in there. The tunes were pumping, the drinks were flowing and the celebrations were loud and getting louder. After I came out, the first person I saw was Damian McKenzie. He was just sitting outside the Chiefs shed, which is right next door to the Crusaders one - listening to the celebrations and staring into the distance. Losing one Super Final must be difficult - losing three in a row is another thing entirely. This one will sting those players for some time yet. I was right in front of the Crusaders' coaches box and when the final whistle went, there were scenes of high jubilation. Dan Perrin was banging on the glass, James Marshall and Brad Mooar were high-fiving - and standing at the back was Rob Penney. This much-maligned coach from last year, the man who came under the most pressure after 2024 - more pressure, probably, than any Crusaders coach in the nearly 30 years of the competition - saw hundreds of fans in the south stand turned around to look up at that box and gave him a standing ovation. He looked down, grinned, gave the crowd a round of applause in return - and just mouthed: "Thank you" His redemption was complete. Now, he might not see it that way - in fact I know he won't. He's taken every opportunity to say he had nothing to prove, nothing to redeem - but the players told the story. David Havili and Will Jordan both said afterwards they did it for their coach Last year hurt this proud team very deeply, and their very proud coach probably most of all. Every time I looked down onto the celebrations happening on the field afterwards, my eyes were drawn back to Rob Penney Quietly, but happily enjoying the moment with his family, his team, and its fans. The storylines of last night might have been the continuation of the Crusaders' unbeaten finals record, the farewell to Addington, the coming of age of Rivez Reihana, the continued brilliance of Will Jordan, the unbelievable engine of Fletcher Newell, the tirelessness of Ethan Blackadder or the continued leadership and mana of Codie Taylor and David Havili. But the story of last night for me was Rob Penney. He won't call it redemption, but that's exactly what it was. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several players will be hoping to score a spot on the 35-man All Blacks squad, set to be named on Monday at the Coastal Rugby Club in Taranaki. There's speculation brewing, with plenty of experts outlining their predictions for who will make Scott Robertson's cut. NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are no strangers to playing on the biggest stage.  One of the icons of the Crusaders is 7-time champion and captain of the undefeated 2002 champion team, Reuben Thorne.   He joined Piney to discuss what’s behind the club’s prolonged success.  “There was obviously a lot of talented players, there’s some outstanding players, but it was the way that we were able to be a team, y’know, true team players.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders and Chiefs meet in Christchurch tonight to decide the Super Rugby Pacific final.  It’s set to be a tough match, with the Chiefs having defeated the Crusaders in both of the games they’ve played this season.  Piney was joined by Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, as well as Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis and Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge ahead of the fated clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have bounced back in a strong way from their disappointing 2024 season.  They've made it all the way back to the Super Rugby grand final, where they host the Chiefs in a clash to claim the title.   Halfback Noah Hotham joined Piney ahead of the Grand Final.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 21st June 2025, it's all about the Super Rugby Final as Piney brings you the show from the Rockpool Gastropub in Christchurch.  Among the names that feature are Chiefs stars Shaun Stevenson and Wallace Sititi. And from the Crusaders side, halfback Noah Hotham, and former title winning captain, Reuben Thorne.  And Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, along with Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis and Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge, join the show for a super panel of CEO's ahead of the final.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have made it to their third Super Rugby final in as many years, but have failed to win on the biggest stage in their previous two attempts.   They look to right those two wrongs tonight as the face the Crusaders in Christchurch to determine the champions of the 2025 Super Rugby Season.  Chiefs Fullback Shaun Stevenson joined Piney for a chat ahead of what is his last Chiefs game.  He told Piney that the team’s taking great confidence in their regular season wins, with the last one being down at the Crusaders’ home ground as well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss how NPC ruby can be improved, the ongoing Super Rugby season and Ryan Fox's golf prowess. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 15 June. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to recap the action from the States, including the NHL finals, the NBA finals and the NCAA players pay ruling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Daryl Gibson has jumped the fence and taken up a new role - within a different sport. Gibson is set to become the new Chief High Performance Officer for New Zealand Cricket, effective from next month.  He joined Piney to discuss what drew him to the role. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Piney's rugby panel, Northland rugby commentator Steve Harris and Tasman Mako longtime backer Shane Drummond joined in on a discussion about whether NPC rugby can be fixed - and how to go about doing that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs' man with the golden boot is finding his feet at the right time as another Super Rugby final looms. First-five Damian McKenzie was instrumental in the Chiefs semi-final win over the Brumbies, scoring 22 points to set up a final with the Crusaders in Christchurch.  Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play has officially been suspended for the day at the US golf Open major, due to dangerous weather and darkness.  Thirteen players did not complete their second rounds, among them currently sixth-placed South African Thriston Lawrence, who's on his last hole.  Sam Burns leads by one shot on three-under-par after firing the low round of the championship, a brilliant five-under 65.  Our golf correspondent Graeme Agars joined Piney to recap all the carnage that's occurred over the first two days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Formula One driver Liam Lawson's hoping his form in practice can translate into qualifying overnight at the Canadian Grand Prix.  He's logged two top 10 finishes in practice, finishing 8th and 10th respectively on the first day of the race weekend.  Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix is tomorrow morning.  NZ Herald Sports Journalist Alex Powell joined Piney to recap Lawson’s impressive day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonny Bill Williams’ focus is remaining on the much-anticipated bout against Paul Gallen.  Animosity has been building between the two former rugby players turned boxers, with Williams even claiming Gallen thinks he’s above Polynesians.  He joined Piney in studio to discuss his preparations for the fight, and the tensions between him and his opponent.   “I think the reason this grudge match is so big is because of, y’know, the animosity that’s been brewing for the last ten years,” Williams said.  “Every opportunity he has, he’s taking digs at me.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 14th June 2025, the Crusaders are heading back to the Super Rugby Finals. David Havili reflects on their semifinal victory over the Blues.  Principal of Rongotai College, Kevin Carter is on to discuss if students are returning for year 14 just to play sport.  And Sonny Bill Williams is in studio as he prepares for his fight against Paul Gallen.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marlborough Boy’s College has made headlines once more, this time for the number of “year 14s” in its First XV team.  One of the top rugby schools in the South Island, the team has five year 14 students playing this season.  It’s led to debates around eligibility for school sports, and raised questions about the integrity of the Miles Totora Premiership.  Rongotai College Principal Kevin Carter joined Piney to discuss what schools are doing to try keep a level playing field.   “[Returning for year 14] has to be about the academics,” he told Piney.  “I’d hate to think that there were schools out there encouraging students to come back solely to boost their sports teams.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are into another Super Rugby final after defeating the Blues 21-14.  Will Jordan scored the deciding try in the 70th minute of the semi-final in Christchurch after scores were locked at 14-all at halftime.  Crusaders Commentator joined Piney to recap the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders feel last season's pain has been this season's gain.  And for seasons to come.  The perennial Super Rugby contenders have shrugged off the agony of missing the finals in 2024, to now be hosting this year's final.  Crusaders captain David Havili says last year's suffering was worth it.  He told Piney it wasn’t ideal at the time, but there were huge learnings to come of it, which has set them up for this year and the years to come.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from the Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Super Rugby finals, the Warriors, the All Whites and the NBA. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 8 June. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mixed opening day for the Black Foils at the latest SailGP event in New York. New Zealand finished second, 11th and first in the opening three regattas, to sit fourth in the event standings ahead of tomorrow's second race day. Black Foils strategist Liv Mackay joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Cricket is looking to make some changes and take the first steps towards leaving Eden Park. The cricket association will seek permission from the Ōrākei Local Board to get Colin Maiden Park in St Johns redeveloped - and if approved, they'll leave Eden Park. Auckland Cricket CEO Ian Francis joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreak for the Hurricanes after being knocked out of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs by the Brumbies in Canberra. The team led midway through the first half, before the Brumbies took control and kept their noses in front for the rest of the contest, holding on to win 35-28. Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have flipped the Super Rugby title race on its head with a stunning 20-19 win over the Chiefs in their playoff in Hamilton. The sixth seed have stolen victory after replacement lock Josh Beehre stretched out to score with time up on the clock. The result means the Blues face the Crusaders in Christchurch in next weekend's semi-final, while the Chiefs host the Brumbies, after the Australian side held off the Hurricanes 35-28 in Canberra.  Blues assistant coach Greg Feek joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have consolidated their place in the NRL's top four with a 40-10 thumping of the Sharks in Sydney. They scored seven tries, including five in a second half blitz where the Sharks were held scoreless.  The Warriors were only ahead 12-10 at the break  - and coach Andrew Webster joined Piney to discuss the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have recorded their 30th consecutive home playoff win, beating the Queensland Reds 32-12 to advance to next week's Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals.  The hosts led from the jump and out-classed the Reds five tries to two – Ethan Blackadder's 69th minute yellow card for a high tackle rendered meaningless.  Assistant Coach James Marshall joined Piney to unpack their victory.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 7th June 2025, Rob Walter has been announced as the new Black Caps coach, taking over from Gary Stead, and he joined Piney to discuss what he hopes to achieve in the job.  The Crusaders have advanced to the Super Rugby semifinals with a win over the Reds in Christchurch. Assistant Coach James Marshall unpacked the victory.  And the All Whites are shaping up for a big week of internationals. They play Cote d'Ivoire tomorrow and Ukraine on Wednesday – defender Michael Boxall joined to preview their big week   Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs upon us, questions have once again been raised about the format.  This year saw the introduction of the ‘lucky loser’ format, in which the three winners from the Qualifying Finals will be joined in the Semi-Finals by the highest-seeded losing team.  CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss the format, and how the regular season went from his perspective.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed Black Caps head coach Rob Walter is confident he can encourage non-contracted players to appear in key matches for New Zealand.  Top talent such as Kane Williamson and Trent Boult have rejected national contracts in favour of lucrative T-20 franchise opportunities around the globe.  Walter wants to give the elite echelon the freedom to do both – but with the Black Cap always coming first.  He joined Jason Pine to discuss his plans for the role, and what he hopes to achieve.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shot putter Tom Walsh feels he's heading in the right direction following his Diamond League triumph in Rome.  The world indoor champion won with his first throw of the competition, reaching a season-best 21.89 metres.  Walsh says it's not often he wins with his initial heave.  He told Jason Pine he had a mixed bag of throws, but he wanted to have a crack at throwing a long way, and that’s exactly what he managed to do.  “Good step in the right direction.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie joined Piney to discuss the latest with the Super Rugby, Kosta Barbarouses leaving Wellington and the A-League final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the NHL Stanley Cup final and NBA finals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 1 June. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.